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If you love the bass game, then this lake is one of the best destinations in northern California, if not the state—bar none! Why such a bold statement? It’s simple: an outstanding population of game fish, terrific variety of cover and structure, super-active food chain, easy access, and all necessary supplies and resources located right on the lake. Clear Lake is not a pristine wilderness experience, but it is a solid fish-catching experience throughout most of the year.

Clear Lake is actually green, despite being one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in California. The game fish in this water have it all, and on a silver platter: built and natural cover, abundant baitfish and insect life, even carpets of algae to gaze through! Everything is in place for a trophy fishery.

The lake is best fly fished from the 100 miles of shoreline. Stick to the tule-lined sections that harbor bass and panfish. Clear Lake’s numerous pilings are another magnet for trophy bass and black crappie. These human-built structures are havens for ambush predators that crash on schools of baitfish. When the bite is on (and you have to be there to believe it), Clear Lake is a hog hunter’s delight.

Access is available all year, 24 hours a day! Try working the night bite at least once in your life. It’s spooky, but it’s awesome fishing when huge and aggressive bass are out prowling during this time. Lights on most of the docks will aid your adventure. Boaters need to be extra careful and slow their progress through congested areas.

In spring, the bass spawning activity around Horseshoe Bend can provide red-hot fly fishing. In the fall, even when the surface becomes slimy, toss poppers into the soup and chug away for explosive reactions from hungry, or territorial, largemouth.

Clear Lake is 110 miles north of the San Francisco Bay Area, through the wine country on scenic Highway 29. Or, from Interstate 5, go north to Williams and head west on Highway 20.

Clear Lake is the largest natural lake in the state with 100 miles of shoreline. Photo by Brian Sak.

Types of Fish

Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.

Known Hatches & Baitfish

Threadfin shad, silverside smelt, game fish fry, crayfish, frogs, worms & grubs. Damselflies and dragonflies.

Equipment to Use

Rods: 5–9 weight, 8½–10 feet in length.

Reels: Palm or mechanical drag.

Lines: Intermediate, full sinking, type-4 or type-6 sinking shooting heads, or modified sink tips of 130 to 200 grains. WF floating on occasion.

Leaders: 1X to 6X, 5–10 feet in length.

Wading: Excellent bank angling around docks and tule patches. A terrific lake for inflatables, canoes, kayaks, and prams.

Flies to Use

Nymphs: Burk’s Damsel, Putnam’s Damsel #12, Kaufman’s Dragonfly #6, Prince or Hare’s Ear Aggravator #6.

Streamers: Whitlock Near Nuff Sculpin, Jansen’s Threadfin Shad, Hot Flash Minnow, Bellied Newt, Purple Eelworm #6, Poxybou Crayfish #4, Tan or White Flashtail Clouser #2, Sea Habit Bucktail (White Knight) #2–1/0, Burk’s V-Worm #10, Crystal Rubber Bugger #4.

Topwater: Swimming Frog, Andy’s Loudmouth Shad #6, Gurgler #2–1/0, Deer Hair Mouse #4, Chartreuse Diver, Gaines Bluegill Popper #12.

When to Fish

Fish for bass all year, with prime times being spring and fall. Summer is best for panfish and catfish.

Accommodations & Services

Everything is right around the lake: resorts, marinas, ramps, stores, and gas stations.

Season & Limits

You can fish for something just about every month of the year. Check current California Department of Fish & Game regulations booklet, or call a fly shop or marina for specific information.

Rating

Certainly one of the state’s top five bass locations, with the undoubted potential for a 9 during fall and spring. A 7.5 minimum throughout the year.